The Cove

I found The Cove to be a compelling depiction of the slaughter of a species. It is the combination of the spy and horror genres that creates a powerful and persuasive balance within the film. The spy aspect adds significant suspense to the action. It allows the viewer to experience the footage through “characters,” or the six people carrying out the mission. This unique perspective can be best expressed through the thermal and infrared shots of planting the cameras and speakers. Instead of just watching the action through impersonal narration and a cold lens, the shaky, hand-held camera along with the inverted black and white heat signatures enables the viewer to feel intensely connected to the action and immersed in the scheme. This style also includes the genuine nervous whispers and code of the crew, only adding to the situation’s tension. On the other hand, the horror genre aspect illuminates the suffering and murder involved in the situation. Scenes without dialogue in them, in this instance, were the most moving. Cold images ranging from bloody water and fishermen jabbing at barricaded dolphins to the faces of indifferent representatives or security guards spoke volumes about the conditions and severity of the problem. Another effective technique put to use in this aspect of the film was the use of typed facts appearing on the scene. They were used either over a particularly gripping scene or on a blank, black background. The white text plays into the cold, unfeeling attitude created earlier regarding the fishermen or the companies that perpetuate the act of capture and slaughter. A final tool used to fuel the horror story is the report about mercury poisoning. There were old shots of deformities and death from previous instances of mercury poisoning along with images of young children consuming the contaminated meat. This is used to expose a new level of corruption in the industry and show the relevancy of the issue to humans – that is if they weren’t already compelled to act out of compassion for the dolphins. The balance of the two genres made a convincing argument and powerful call for action.